Toffees Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

  • He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
  • The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
  • He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
  • Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

  • 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
  • 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
  • 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'

Joseph Walker
Joseph Walker

A tech enthusiast and cultural commentator with over a decade of experience writing about digital innovations and societal impacts.